4 Diseases You Can Get from Contaminated Drinking Water

The United States has one of the most advanced water systems. Over 286 million Americans benefit from the country’s public water system that strictly adheres to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) regulations.

But this does not mean the water that comes out of your faucet is always safe to drink.

In a 2013 report, results showed that between 2009 and 2010, 17 states succumbed to waterborne outbreaks that resulted in nine deaths and 85 hospitalizations.

Giardiasis

Giardiasis is the most common waterborne disease diagnosed among US citizens. Symptoms include diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, abdominal cramps, and greasy stool, among others.

Legionnaire’s Disease

If you are above 50 years old and suffer from a chronic lung disease, you are most susceptible to this illness. Symptoms include fever, chills, coughing, and muscle aches.

Shigellosis

Shigellosis may sound fun, but there’s nothing to laugh about if and when you contract this waterborne disease. Fever, tenesmus, abdominal pain, and diarrhea are just some of its symptoms.

Salmonella

Each year, salmonella kills at least 380 patients in the United States. While contaminated food is its common source, water can also serve as breeding ground for this bacterium. If you find yourself suffering from fever, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea, it is best to visit a nearby clinic to have your stool sample tested.

The United States’ aging water infrastructure has become more susceptible to water outbreaks over the years. If not immediately addressed, you, alongside many other citizens who rely on the country’s public water system, will be exposed to all kinds of bacteria.